Cambodia: Land Scam Victims Appeal to Authorities for Intervention

Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia – Approximately 50 citizens, out of a total of 875 affected families, gathered at the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Hall on August 6, 2026, to seek intervention from provincial authorities regarding an alleged land scam by the Pou Vannar company. The victims claim they purchased subdivided plots of land in projects 10 and 11, located near the O'Nang Special Economic Zone in Poipet, bordering O'Svay Chrum commune, but have not received the land or a refund. One of the victims, Chey Chon, stated that they had held five previous meetings with the company, headed by Pou Vannar, wife of the O'Svay Chrum commune chief. However, these discussions have failed to yield any trustworthy solutions. He further explained that after two meetings with Mr. Panh Kha Bunthoeun, a total of seven attempts at resolution have been made since 2025, yet the issue remains unresolved. Following a meeting on February 3, 2026, the company reportedly promised a resolution by the end of February 2026. However, as of August 5, 2026, the company has not only failed to provide a solution but has also asked customers to wait indefinitely without setting a specific timeframe or signing any formal agreements. This has led the victims to believe the company is intentionally evading responsibility, causing significant distress. Many victims questioned how many more years it would take for the provincial administration to resolve the issue. They recalled being told by the Pou Vannar company that the land was free of disputes, with a promise of five times the purchase price in compensation if any issues arose. However, they now face a situation where the land is indeed disputed, and the company refuses to engage in direct resolution year after year. Many have taken out bank loans to purchase the land, facing monthly payments of $450, and are concerned about who will bear the interest burden while awaiting a resolution. Mr. Sum Chanthy, a coordination officer for the Adhoc Association in Banteay Meanchey province, confirmed on August 6, 2026, that the land dispute involves Pou Vannar and a figure identified as Oknha Ly Saikheang. According to information and documents obtained, Oknha Ly Saikheang has accused Pou Vannar of subdividing and selling his land and has filed a lawsuit to prevent further transactions and the issuance of land titles. Consequently, the affected parties are the citizens who purchased the plots. Mr. Chanthy added that while land disputes occur, the crucial aspect is for the disputing parties to engage in resolution. He noted that the number of land disputes in Banteay Meanchey province has decreased compared to earlier times when land prices were significantly higher. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that considerable effort is being made to resolve land disputes in the province. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Security